Product News

1:43 BMW 635 CSi from Autoart

By Mark Savage

Published:
July 1, 2011

Product: In 1976 BMW took dead aim at Mercedes-Benz with its first 6 Series coupe, getting a little larger (103.4-in. wheelbase) than previous models.

Originally the car was only available in the European market, but in 1978 the 635 CSi was born and made it to the U.S. Various 6 Series coupes would hang around through 1989 and then reappeared in 2004.

Autoart has created a 1:43 version of that late 1970s 635 CSi with its simple lean elegant lines. Your Bimmer devotees are bound to love it.

Performance: Detail is excellent for a 1:43 model and Autoart spiffs this up further with an opening hood that reveals a nicely detailed engine along with coolant and fluid containers, the battery and shock strut caps. The motor is the 215-horsepower fuel-injected 12-valve I6 that made this Bimmer purr. And the car’s hood properly opens from the back, a sign of that era’s styling.

Autoart doesn’t go light on its chrome trim either, an impressive band around the window frames, and I love the chrome edged trademark twin kidney grille. There also are chrome door handles and mirrors, with reflective faces.

Headlights and taillights look realistic and the thin rubber and chrome bumpers are well executed. There’s also a detailed BMW logo on the nose and trunk, plus twin chrome center exit exhaust pipes in back, while a subtle spoiler graces the trunk lid. Autoart even makes sure there’s a rear window defroster grid in the window.

Wheels are historically accurate and the car has good underbody detailing nicely reflected by the mirrored stand’s base.

Since the doors do not open viewing the interior isn’t easy. But what you can see looks accurate with reasonable dash and console detail for this scale. Gauge faces are evident and the black ribbed seats are well done.

Marketing: Keep a good selection of 1:43 models on your shelves. Arrange them by era, or make or by the brand, such as Autoart, Brumm, Minichamps, etc. While collectors would love to own the 1:18 scale beauties, most folks’ budgets, and shelves, more easily accommodate 1:43 models. Autoart gives you a lot of detail for the dollar, making them an easier sale than some. This model’s included display case with a mirrored bottom also adds value, so make sure to point that out to your customers.